10 Tech Tools to Boost Your Bottom Line

There are two things that most small business owners could use more of: time and money. With the right technologies, you can get both — and ultimately improve your bottom line. We've rounded up 10 great small business tech tools that can help your company grow.

Big Data analytics software

Have you ever wondered how much each of your customer's online impressions is worth? Invest in software that provides real-time Big Data reporting and analysis. Big Data analytics is ideal for remarketing campaigns, which require audience segmentation and complex insights into user intent. Find one that works with any existing business intelligence and analytics applications you might have, so you can put the data you already have to work. Examples: EXASolution, InfoBright

Cloud-based phone system

Instead of investing in an expensive business phone system, why not have your business calls go right to your smartphone? Web-based phone systems allow callers to reach you on any device through call routing. Look for services that offer professional greetings, automated menus, voicemail to email, and local business phone numbers. Examples: Cloud Phone, eVoice

Communications hub

With so many different modes of communication nowadays, it can be difficult to keep track of where specific conversations are happening. A unified cloud communications solution will keep everything in one place. Emails, instant messages and contacts all appear in the same app interface for maximum organization and efficiency. Most services allow you to make free video calls and inexpensive VoIP calls to landlines and mobile phones, and some even integrate your social networks directly into the platform. Examples: Skype, Voxox

Financial software suite

A cloud-based, integrated financial solution will helps small businesses stay organized when doing their own finances. While most software suites provide tools for invoicing, accounting, payroll, payments and budgeting, some also offer a mobile app so you can check your finances on-the-go. Certain solutions are designed for businesses of specific sizes, so do your research and find one that suits your company's needs. Examples: Intuit, Wave

In-store analytics system

For small retailers to grow, they need to keep track of foot traffic and in-store customer interactions. Bluetooth-enabled devices that transmit data between smartphones and tablets in close proximity allow you to keep track of your performance metrics in real time. When linked to your POS system, these apps can show you the number of customers who came into your store, conversion rates and other important information that will help you make strategic, educated decisions about your business. Examples: RetailNext, Swarm Portal

Online payment networks

Paper checks are an inefficient system of B2B payments, and yet many businesses still send checks, wasting money on postage, envelopes and invoice stationery. Online payment networks offer a secure, affordable way to send, request and accept money directly to and from your bank account. Because these types of payments don't involve credit cards, you'll save on hefty transaction and service fees, too. Examples: Dwolla, WePay

Project management software

A lack of organization in projects can waste valuable time and resources. To help you avoid such waste, all-in-one project management software helps your team work together on a single platform. From assigning tasks to viewing progress, notes and conversations, all of your collaboration efforts are consolidated to make sure everyone is on the same page. To gain insights into how efficient your team is, look for tools that include built-in performance metrics. Examples: Asana, Taskworld

Screen capture software

A picture (or video) is worth a thousand words, especially in an age of visual-oriented marketing. With screen capture software, you can save images and videos right from your desktop. Whether you need the whole screen or just a specific segment, you can save the visual content you need with one click. While most computer operating systems have a built-in screen capture tool, seeking out specialized software with annotation and editing tools will let you customize your images and videos and get them ready to share. Examples: Screen Hunter Pro, Snagit

Social marketing platform

Building up a community on social media can be a time-consuming task for small business owners. With a social marketing platform, you can monitor conversations, identify key influencers in your industry, boost engagement, and share the content your audience wants to see. Some services will even help you find similar brands to follow so you can share each other's content and expand your organic reach. Examples: CoPromote, SparksFly

Web conferencing service

Web conferencing has become the communication method of choice for businesses with remote workers and clients who want to reduce travel expenses and improve productivity. These tools allow for real-time collaboration for internal meetings, sales presentations, training sessions and more. To get the most out of your Web conferencing services, find ones that go beyond basic audio and video calls and offer extras like remote tech support and desktop access and webinar capabilities. Examples: Blue Jeans Network, TurboMeeting

Nicole received her Bachelor's degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She began freelancing for Business News Daily in 2010 and joined the team as a staff writer three years later. She currently serves as the managing editor. Reach her by email, or follow her on Twitter.